Sweden-based Absolut, the world's fourth largest international spirits brand, continued to deliver solid results during last year's second half, with organic net sales growth of 4 percent. It's owner, French distiller Pernod Ricard, on Thursday reported first-half profit that beat estimates.

"Several innovative new products and promotions have made it possible for us to deliver continued profitable growth in the highly competitive vodka category", Philippe Guettat, CEO of The Absolut Company, said in a statement.

Sales were especially up on growth markets: Brazil (36%), Africa and the Middle East (16%), Korea (44%), India (60%) and Russia (16%).

Pernod Ricard raised its annual earnings forecast as Chinese consumers increased purchases of spirits such as Absolut vodka and Martell cognac.

Absolut Vodka, established in 1879, is produced near Åhus, in southern Sweden. The company was bought by French group Pernod Ricard in 2008 for 5.63 billion euros from the Swedish state.